Trip to San Antonio

I've got an upcoming trip to San Antonio planned and am thinking of taking my 5d2, 24-105, 70-200 and flash in a crumpler 6mdh. I only want to take (2) lenses because with a bad back I can only heft the bag for short times. I'd like some input based on my gear list if this is the best two lens combo of the lenses I have. This is going to be a two week trip via Amtrak from Los Angeles. I will be touring around the San Antonio area and also heading up to the Austin area. This will be the first time I've used my gear away from my home area, thanks.

Of what is in your gear list, travel light - 50D, 17-40, 70-200/4 IS, bag.

gasrocks wrote in post #8666776
Of what is in your gear list, travel light - 50D, 17-40, 70-200/4 IS, bag.

Seconded.
They would give you the most versatility of any 2 of your lenses.

beeng wrote in post #8666793
Seconded.
They would give you the most versatility of any 2 of your lenses.

I curious why you think the 50d would be a better choice over the 5d2, the weight doesn't seem to be that much more...then again I've never hefted it around all day. Also, are you suggesting that with the 50d with its pop up flash, I could leave the 580ex home?

burgerdude wrote in post #8666931
I curious why you think the 50d would be a better choice over the 5d2, the weight doesn't seem to be that much more...then again I've never hefted it around all day. Also, are you suggesting that with the 50d with its pop up flash, I could leave the 580ex home?

Yes. The 50d and the 5dmii are basically the same weight... but like you said the 50d has a flash. If you're going for the bare minimum, then leave the flash at home and use the built-in... although this depends on whether or not you'll want a decent flash on your trip :P

I agree with the others on the 17-40. You'll want something wider than 24 for places like the Alamo, museums, and the River Walk.
When you head up to Austin, take the capital building tour (free) and hit the Bob Bullock museum if you want to learn about the history of Texas.

For San Antonio I'd suggest the 5D2, 17-40, and 24-105. There are a lot of nice spots for wide angle along the Riverwalk and the missions. The 24-105 will come in handy as well. I can't see using the 70-200 as much there unless you go to the zoo or are shooting birds.

Mission San Jose has some nice architecture that is great for B&W but it's in a bad area on the South side. The Alamo will be great for the 17-40.

Here's a shot with my P&S SD450 at Mission San Jose

5dII, 17-40, flash, and either the 70-200 if you are going to zoos, Seaworld, or looking for outdoor animals, or 24-105 if you're just doing city things. Your original selection will not be wide enough. If you want to shoot "the city" stuff, the 70-200 can be left at home. Or take all three and leave what you don't think you'll need at the hotel while out trekking.

Actually, while wandering around the River Walk, Alamao, missions, and the like, you can just take the 17-40 and you'll be set in my mind. Last time I was in Austin, that was the only lens I used on my 1D while touring the capital, museum, etc.